~LAYLA~
"How did this happen so fast?" I asked, running my fingers through my hair.
Axel wrapped me in a hug, his arms helping to calm my trembling hands as I held his phone tightly. The headlines filled with Cassandra's lies felt overwhelming.
"I knew she'd pull something like this," he said, holding me. "That's why I planned ahead."
I pulled back, searching his face. "Planned what?"
He smirked, that dangerous glint in his eyes that I'd come to recognize, and crave. "You'll see. Get ready, we're leaving. If they've pressed charges, police won't be far behind. We need to make our move first."
"Where are we going?"
"To turn the tables. Now go. Get dressed properly and meet me downstairs in fifteen minutes."
I nodded, heading to my room, my mind racing.
As I showered, the memory of last night flooded back: Axel's lips on my neck, his hands unclasping my bra, the heat of him pressed against me. The way he'd stopped us before we crossed the final line.
